France is an ideal study abroad destination among many students because of various reasons like the rich European culture, gastronomy, architecture, and the most happening study environment.
France is the 6th largest economy globally and home to some of the world-renowned universities offering quality education at very affordable rates to students from all around the world.
Studying in France offers you countless career and growth opportunities in any part of the world. Here you can the best cultural experience of the world and learn the most widely spoken language of the world, i.e. French.
France has so much to offer to you other than just a high standard of education. You will have the best experience of your life in France, which is why many international students move to France every year to study abroad.
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About France
France- the unitary semi-presidential French republic is a country located in western Europe comprising metropolitan France and many other overseas regions and territories.
France shares its borders with Belgium, Luxembourg, and Germany to the northeast, Switzerland, Monaco, and Italy to the east, Andorra and Spain to the south, and the Netherlands, Suriname, and Brazil in the Americas.
The capital of France is Paris, the largest city in France and the main cultural and commercial centre of the country.
The official language of France is French, and the official currency is EURO.
Study in France
France is one of the top international student destinations in Europe. Every year hundreds and thousands of students travel overseas to study in France. More than 300,000 international students are currently studying in the universities of France and are very much satisfied with their experience.
France is home to around 82 public universities, five catholic universities, and some other private institutions offering top-notch study programs at all undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral levels.
Students will have a wide range of study programs to choose from if they are looking forward to studying in France.
Also, education provided by French universities of France is quite affordable and is significantly less when contrasted with other top international student destinations of the world.
Universities of France offer both English-taught and French-taught study programs with different requirements and eligibility criteria.
After completing your courses, you will also be offered many internships and placements at the most well-reputed companies in France.
Degrees from France universities are globally recognized and valued, so if you have one, there will be no shortage of career options for you, and instead, you can pursue your dream career in any part of the world.
Now, if you are also interested in studying abroad in France, then here is complete for you on the requirements to learning in France for international students:
Requirements to Study in France:
To secure admission to any of the universities of France, you need first to satisfy the eligibility criteria required by these universities. Then, you need to read or go through the eligibility criteria for each course and then apply to any university.
Following is the eligibility criteria for a Bachelor’s degree :
- The student must have passed his 12th grade with a score of a minimum of 50%
- The students must be of the age of 18 years and not more than 22 years of age.
- Also, if the university has an entrance exam, then the student has to qualify the same.
- The candidate also has to quality the language capability tests.
Following is the eligibility criteria for a Master’s degree:
- The student must have a bachelors’ degree with a minimum score of 55%.
- The student must not of the age of more than 40 years.
- Also, if the university has any entrance exams like GMAT, GRE, SAT, etc., then the student has to qualify the same.
- The candidate also has to quality the language capability tests.
- It is also possible that you will have to pass some interviews to secure admission to any particular university.
Admission Procedure
Now comes the application procedure for studying abroad in France:
So, the first step is to study abroad is to decide which university and the program you are going to apply for.
The French universities, as stated above, offer plenty of study programs to the students so that you will find your dream course in your dream university with ease.
You can do some research online and make a rundown of all the appropriate colleges and courses, including their requirements and then decide which one you would go for.
Also, make sure that you check the eligibility criteria for each course and the universities before proceeding with your application procedure
Once you check the eligibility criteria and if you are eligible to apply for a French university, then you have to go to the university’s official website and get yourself registered there.
After registering, download the application form, fill in all the mandatory details, attach all the documents asked, and submit it and the application fees on the same website.
The following are the documents to be submitted with your application form:
- Mark Sheets of Standard X, XII, and bachelor’s degree (if relevant)
- TOEFL or IELTS scores
- Letter of recommendation
- Mission statement (SOP)
- Resume
- proof of financial assets
- Medical coverage
- Identification proofs
- Passport
- photographs
Always remember that the eligibility criteria and the requirements may vary depending on the university or course you apply for. For example, some universities might ask for more formalities or documents.
Once your application is submitted, you will have to wait for the university’s admission board to reach you if you are selected.
After getting your application accepted and receiving your admission letter from the university, you have to print it out and apply for your student visa.
Language Requirements
Students seeking after studying from French universities must satisfy the base necessities for language, i.e. English or French language proficiency tests.
In French universities, you will be offered both French taught and English taught courses at undergraduate and postgraduate levels. You can choose as per your convenience and preferences.
However, there are some universities or courses in France which are only available in the French language, so for that, you will have to qualify for the French language capability tests like TCF, LE TEF to get admission to that particular university
Also, if you are pursuing English-taught study programs, you should show capability in the English language to get your Study Visa for France.
You can also go for other alternatives like TOEFL or PTE scores to prove your English language capability to study abroad in France.
The base score needed for applying to study in France for affirmation in the top Universities of France may vary from University to University.
Cost of Studying in France
The regular educational expenses for attending University in France will vary depending on the university and the city you are studying in.
In public or state-funded universities of France, you will pay no fees charge to acquire education. However, you will have to pay or the registration fees and the student life contribution.
On the other hand, you will have to pay tuition fees for public universities or other institutions.
The average tuition fees rates in French universities range between €2,000 and €10,000 each year. This sum changes and depends on various variables.
Also, the other costs for essential items in France are significantly less when contrasted with other nations in Europe like Germany, Belgium, etc.
The Living expenses per student may go from €600 to €800 each month for international students, including all the necessary costs.
Accommodation
Once you arrive in France, you need to choose whether you need to live in college hostels or rent a private apartment.
Choosing an on-campus residency can likewise give you a catered or self-provided food alternative and an affordable option.
Catered convenience offers the advantages of your dinners being prepared for you. In addition, you will be free from the other living costs like the utility bills of electricity, water, internet, etc.
On the other hand, if you consider renting an apartment from a private property manager, you can also consider sharing your apartment with other students because that will help you lessen your burden of the costs and bills.
Also, any place you decide to live in, you should ensure that you know your legally binding rights and duties.
Student Visa Requirements
The French Government offers all Indian students the chance to study in the country, but you have to get a legitimate student visa.
Once you receive the university admission letter, your next step is to visit the nearest French embassy and apply for your study visa for French or apply online.
Before starting with your application procedure for a student visa at the French embassy, you must first create an online campus France registration file.
You can also contact the nearest CampusFrance office for assistance or ask for an appointment through the online file or call the CampusFrance office.
To apply for a study visa, you need to follow the below steps:
- First and foremost, you have to pay your tuition fees to the university
- Then you have to set up the documents required for the student visa
- Then, you have to present your online application for the visa
- And pay the application charge for a study visa.
The following documents needed at the time of visa application:
- Photographs
- Letter of acknowledgement from an Irish university
- Scores of either IELTS or TOEFL
- Receipt of payment of tuition fees
- Proof of financial funds
- Passport
- Medical insurance plan
- Proof of residency in France
- Copy of your campus France ID number.
- Cover letter
- Resume
Funding Options to Study in France
Many grants are accessible for international students from various sources like the Government of France, the French universities, and different private associations.
If you are planning to study in the universities of France, the French government is there to support you with your financial needs.
Many universities and private associations are also focused on providing full-time support to students from weak financial backgrounds and struggling with their expenses in France.
You can look for various grants or awards at the university’s official websites and apply for your appropriate one on the same website.
Also, in France, students can do many part-time jobs or internships to helo them deal with their day-to-day expenses.
Top Universities to Study in France
- Paris Sciences et Lettres University – PSL Research University Paris
- École Polytechnique
- Sorbonne University
- CentraleSupelec
- Ecole Normale Superieure de Lyon
- Ecole des Ponts ParisTech
- Sciences Po
- University of Paris
- University Paris 1 Pantheon-Sorbonne
- ENS Paris-Saclay
